A father who assaulted his autistic son during a trip to Caldey Island - the first recorded crime on the island in living memory - says his family is now getting vital help as a result of the incident.

Haverfordwest magistrates court heard on Wednesday that the family from Dudley, west Midlands, visited the island on September 1, and witnesses stated that the man was very angry with the seven year-old and acted aggressively towards him.

Passers-by were concerned for the boy’s safety and described the man as grabbing him by the neck outside the chocolate factory and lifting him off the ground, then slapping him before frog marching him away.

The man pleaded guilty to assault by beating on November 15, but sentencing was adjourned for a report to be completed.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, told the bench that the child had been diagnosed with ADHD and autism, and had been ‘quite naughty’ on the day in question.

He added that the father was trying to tell him to behave, but his actions went beyond ‘reasonable chastisement’.

He said: “He picked him up by the neck so that he could look him in the eye and tell him off.

“He appears to have been in quite a rage.”

A witness stated that nearby children were frightened by the incident, as the man was described as showing a ‘considerable amount of aggression’.

The father was arrested and taken back to the mainland, where he broke down during a police interview and stated he would never hurt his son.

Mike Kelleher, defending, said his client accepted he may have ‘gone too far’ which was not acceptable, but he was dealing with a child who was unaware what could place himself or others in danger.

He added: “It’s a very, very unfortunate incident.

“As a result of this incident, the help and assistance that this family has been asking for, for a very long time, has suddenly come into place.”

“It’s a shame that did not happen before.”

The court heard that the family was now getting assistance in dealing with their son’s behaviour.

Magistrates imposed an 18 month community order with 20 rehabilitation requirement days and a £200 fine.

He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.